Earning Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badges

Garden Gate

2. Grow Where You’re Planted

Beginner Level

• Collect five native flowers and press them. When dry, decoupage or in some way mount them onto a piece of paper. Next to the flower, write a brief description of their habitat and place in the ecosystem.
• Discover which plants and wildflowers are rare or endangered in your area and photograph or write a report on them. Don’t pick these!

Intermediate Level

• Research and plant at least five native non-invasive grasses or ground covers in your garden or lawn. Grab some ideas for lawn alternatives from MaryJanesFarm "Shoulder to the Wheel" issue.
• If you are a member of a chapter, present a brief lecture on how your chosen native plants were once a vital part of the ecosystem and how they are incorporated into your garden space or yard.

Expert Level

• Plant at least one (more is better!) native tree or shrub in your yard. Try to find a species that is threatened or that will supply much-needed habitat for your neighborhood insects and birds.
• Complete a Master Gardeners program through your Extension Office.
• Find and read a book called “Roots Demystified” by Robert Kourik.

January, 2008 Edition

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